Iraq vs Norway Prediction Betting Tips & Preview

Iraq vs Norway kicks off Group I on Tuesday 16th June 2026 at 11:00pm BST, with both sides finally back on the World Cup stage at Gillette Stadium after long waits. Graham Arnold has Iraq organised, disciplined, and tough to break down, while Ståle Solbakken’s Norway side play with far more attacking intent. Iraq come in off a solid run of results, grinding out wins and draws, whereas Norway have been a bit more open, scoring freely but not always flawless at the back. So what happens when a compact, patient side meets one built around direct attacking power? That’s exactly what this Iraq vs Norway delves into, with team news, likely lineups, and our top betting tips.

Iraq vs Norway

So Iraq come in with a steady run of results in qualifying. Norway, though, bring a completely different vibe. They’ve been scoring freely and have some serious attacking firepower. You think of Erling Haaland straight away, still leading the line for Manchester City. But it’s not just him. Martin Ødegaard at Arsenal pulls the strings, and players like Alexander Sørloth, at Atletico Madrid, give them even more options going forward.

Iraq vs Norway Team News

Iraq’s squad has a nice mix of experience and players spread across different leagues. Aymen Hussein leads the line and brings plenty of international know-how. Mohanad Ali, now playing for Dibba in the UAE, is another key attacking outlet. Keep an eye on Ali Al-Hamadi too, he’s been developing at Luton Town and offers something a bit more direct.

In midfield, Zidane Iqbal (FC Utrecht) adds composure, while Amir Al-Ammari (Cracovia) links things together nicely. Set-piece duties are likely to fall to Iqbal or Bayesh, with Aymen Hussein a strong candidate for penalties.

Norway’s big question is always around Ødegaard’s fitness. If he’s ready, he captains the side and dictates everything. Haaland, of course, is the main man up front.

Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig) and Oscar Bobb (Fulham) bring energy out wide, while Sander Berge (Fulham) anchors the midfield. Free-kicks and penalties? That’s usually Ødegaard territory, but Haaland is always in the conversation.

Likely Lineups

Iraq:
Talib; Ali, Sulaka, Putros, Doski; Bayesh, Iqbal, Al-Ammari; Jasim; Hussein, Mohanad Ali

Norway:
Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Østigård, Wolfe; Berge, Ødegaard, Thorstvedt; Nusa, Haaland, Sørloth

Iraq vs Norway Betting Tips

You’re probably looking at this and thinking Norway have the edge. But Iraq aren’t just here to make up the numbers. They’ve been grinding out results, keeping games tight, and frustrating teams.

This match feels like a contrast: Norway’s attacking threat vs Iraq’s defensive structure. That usually leads to one thing, a competitive game, not a blowout.

Iraq vs Norway Match Prediction

Norway have more firepower. Haaland alone changes how teams defend, and if Ødegaard is pulling the strings, they’ll create chances.

But Iraq won’t make it easy. They sit deep and pick moments carefully. Still, over time, you’d back Norway to find a way through.

Match Prediction: Norway to win. Bet with bet365.

Iraq vs Norway Correct Score Tips

A tight game feels likely here. Iraq don’t concede many, and Norway might need patience. 1 or 2 goals for Norway feels right. 

Correct Score Prediction: Iraq 0-2 Norway. Bet with bet365.

Iraq vs Norway Over & Under Goals Betting Tips

This doesn’t scream high-scoring from the start. Iraq’s recent games have been cagey, and they’ll try to slow things down again.

• Under 3.5 goals feels safe
• Over 1.5 goals still looks reasonable with Norway’s attack

Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.

Iraq vs Norway Bet Builder Tip

A simple one that makes sense:

• Norway to win
• Under 3.5 total goals
• Haaland to score anytime

That kind of combo lines up with how the game is likely to unfold.

Bet Builder Tip: Norway to win, under 3.5 goals, and Haaland to score anytime. Bet with bet365.

Key Stats

• Iraq are playing at their first World Cup since 1986
• Norway return to the tournament for the first time since 1998
• Iraq’s recent results show strong defensive organisation
• Norway have scored freely in recent qualifying campaigns
• This is the first major tournament meeting between the sides

• • bet365

    

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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.

Who will win between Iraq and Norway?

Norway go in as favourites thanks to their attacking quality, but Iraq could make it a tough contest.

What time is the Iraq vs Norway match?

Kick-off is at 11:00pm BST on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

Where is the Iraq vs Norway game being played?

The match takes place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

What is the likely score?